It's all over . . . wait, Eric Clapton's collecting one more. There, that's it. The 35th annual Grammy Awards are history; here are some of the moments that will - make that won't - endure in musical history.
Strangest Acceptance Speech: Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, for: "Little Richard and Howard Stern would like to be here at the moment, but they're off teaching Sinead how to tango." He then thanked Mother Nature, who had no immediate comment.Is He Really Going Out With Her?: Michael Jackson showed up for the awards with Brooke Shields, who took pictures of Jackson accepting his Legend Award.
Really Weird and Bizarre Speech: Michael again, telling the crowd, "I wasn't aware the world thought I was so weird and bizarre." He then stood alongside sister Janet, putting to rest the rumor they were actually the same person. (See, he's not weird or bizarre).
Oddest Grammy Couple: Presenters Marky Mark and Mary-Chapin Carpenter. The rapper apologized (sort of) for his past problems with racial violence; the demure country star looked uncomfortable. Special award: Presenters Billy Idol and B.B. King. Billy wore a gaudy gold medallion, B.B. a laminated backstage pass. You know who looked cooler.
Hey! They Weren't . . .: Was that En Vogue lip-syncing their number? Their lips were moving, but a little voice kept saying, "Milli Vanilli . . . Milli Vanilli. . . ."
Most Shameless Grammy Plug: L.L. Cool J, who began his introduction, "The nominations . . . and may I say my new album's coming out the end of March." Honorable mention: Marky Mark, who plugged his underwear (his album's not worth the trouble).
They Haven't Forgiven or Forgotten: When host Shandling mentioned Sinead O'Connor was not in attendance, the Grammy crowd cheered.
Best One-Liner by the Host: "Madonna is not nominated for any Grammys this year," observed Shandling. "She put all her efforts into winning the Pulitzers."